I need a hand pump for our well, any suggestions?

Hi all,

My family is looking to install a hand pump for our well so we can still access water in case SHTF. I am new to this stuff, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a product that is reasonably priced and works well (no pun intended haha.) If anyone who has done this before has any advice that would be AWESOME!. Thanks!

Depends on the depth as to how much you will need to pay or if it will even work.

Shallow well pumps are cheapest at harborfrieght.

Just go to any hardware store and look for a cast iron or stainless well hand-pump.You may have to go to a specialty store to find one.

Buy it and then purchase enough pipe to run down well below the water level in the well. I would attach it to a cement pad or block.

It's pretty easy and not expensive. I bought one for my mother for $80 and it cost another $20 or so for the piping.

Thanks, I'll check them out. I'll have to ask my folks how deep their well is, they didn't say. I suppose that would be a good thing to know lol.

reply to post by sheepslayer247


Cool, thanks for the info.

Thought this might help or give you an idea. I plan on trying this myself this summer I dont have hundreds of dollars, but Im sure I can get a few people at Lowes, and some friends to help me figure this one out! Good Luck!


For those do it yourselfers....

Constructing a Water Well Hand Pump


Peace, NRE.

I had looked into a hand pump for our well, but it is too deep and there is no way it can be pumped by hand. We need one of those old-fashioned windmill pumps (and they aren't cheap.....we checked on used ones and came away with a $4000 estimate...amazing how much a bunch of old scrap metal costs nowadays).





Here is an informational link for handpumps: www.windmills.net...

reply to post by bekisu


Here is good source for all things "Non Electric" They've been a trusted source used by the Amish in my area for decades.

Lehman's Hardware
www.lehmans.com...

You should search online for a "pitcher pump". I recently looked myself and they can be found in many places for about $39.99, and parts are available at the same sites for very cheap. Hope this helps...

Check out these two sites - lots of good information & step by step instructions on checking depth, well size and more.

Bison Pumps

Simple Pump

Read the novel The Ugly American.....gives instructions for a bycicle powered water pump made from a four cylinder jeep motor.....
for irrigation too.................

Thank you everyone for your replies, makes me feel less cynical about the world when I see people so willing to help and share knowledge.

Can only lift water 32 approx. feet with suction.
Answered my own question.

I prefer to teach a person to fish ... I found some videos on youtube about making pumps... once you understand the mechanics you can adapt the design....

ram pump
even how to make a bucket if needed .....

water is a great resource but many will not know how to get it out of the ground.... and if there is a creek with a hundred feet of drop you can harness it for water power

reply to post by bekisu


a lot depends where you live and what resources you have and how best to utilize them ......

I'm really glad you brought this up, as it's something that is definitely on my prepper to do list.

hand pump

I have been thinking about getting one of these....

reply to post by Starwise

I don't understand why they call it a deep well pump if it's max depth is 50'?